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Vincent DiNino, the first band and longest serving director of the University of Texas-Austin band, will be honored with the 2012 Willie Kocurek Vital Aging Award. DiNino is responsible for establishing the Longhorn Band as one of the best ensembles in the nation, and shepherded the music group through important moments in history during his tenure, from presidential inaugurations and social changes, like the end of segregation.

“Vincent DiNino is a man driven by his passion for music and excellence” says Joyce Lauck, executive director of AGE. “He dedicated his life to using music to improve the lives of students and the community. We are honored to call him a 2012 AGE Award honoree”

The Minnesota native was appointed to be the first Longhorn Band Director in 1955 after an exhaustive search. Under his tenure, the band experienced many changes, shifting from a group of all white men, to include women and people of color. DiNino has been essential to the formation of some of the band’s most beloved traditions, including the scholarship program, the design of the band uniforms, to the Longhorn Alumni Band, the largest and most active alumni bands in the nation.

DiNino led the Longhorn Band during some of its most prominent performances, including the Inaugural Parades of President Kennedy and President Johnson, several Texas governors’ inaugurations, and 17 bowl games. DiNino has rallied the support of alumni to establish Presidential scholarships for Longhorn Band members, the Director of Bands chair, and a professorship at the Butler School of Music ensuring the continued legacy of music at the University of Texas at Austin. At age 93, Vince can still be seen conducting at U.T. football games and The Longhorn Summer Band Concert Series.

The 2012 AGE Awards Dinner celebrates Central Texans who make the community a better place for older adults and people with disabilities. Past honorees include The Hon. Gus Garcia, Jackie Leong, Susan Merrick, The Hon. Jake Pickle, The Austin-American Statesman, and more. The event will be at the Renaissance Austin Hotel on April 20, 2012. Photo and video opportunities are available.

AGE (Austin Groups for the Elderly) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has been serving Austin’s elderly, their families, and caregivers since 1986. Our programs include the Austin Computer Learning Center, the Caregiver Resource Center, Elderhaven Adult Day Centers of Central Texas, HELP (Health Equipment Lending Program), New Connections, and the Historic AGE Building. Visit our website at www.ageofaustin.org.

Mr. DiNino had a very positive impact on my life as a member of The Longhorn Band during the 70’s. He continues to inspire musicians old and young alike to reach their full potential since his “retirement” more than 30 years ago. I can’t think of a more deserving person for this honor.

Mr. DiNino is an exemplary gentleman. He molded the University’s Longhorn Band to a status on par with the best in the world, an organization to fittingly represent a University of the First Class.
Thank you, Mr. DiNino! Hook ’em Horns!